Abstract
The autolyzates of three different strains of Francisella tularensis 15L, 130 and SCHU were tested for their immunogenic potential and protein heterogeneity. The autolyzates induce the production of specific antibodies, the delayed type of hypersensitivity, and some degree of protection against European virulent strain 130. This material (as antigen) was especially suitable for ELISA. When the autolyzates were subjected to SDS gradient PAGE, a variety of polypeptides were distinguished. The composition of polypeptides from all three strains on SDS-PAGE was almost identical. After the detection of antigenic determinants by Western blotting more than twenty bands appeared. The visualization with polyclonal antisera against live laboratory strain 15L and against autolyzates 15L, 130 and SCHU revealed differences in the composition of the antigenic determinants of these strains.